On Sunday, an incident occurred at one of Madrid’s best-known museums — Reina Sofía — briefly disrupting the usual experience for visitors. A group of about twenty activists staged a sit-in right in front of Picasso’s iconic painting “Guernica.” The participants unfurled banners reading “Stop genocidio” and sat down on the floor, blocking access to the artwork.
Museum staff were forced to temporarily close access to the hall to prevent possible conflicts and to ensure the safety of both the protesters and other visitors. People were asked to leave the room, and for about twenty minutes the hall remained empty while the protest continued.
The organizers of the demonstration, representing the “Marea Palestina” movement, thus expressed their demand to end violence against the Palestinian people. In their view, even if the ceasefire agreement supported by the US appears to be a step toward peace, it does not address the root problems. The activists believe that humanitarian aid still fails to reach those in need and that the effects of hunger remain.
In a statement from the movement, it is emphasized that they intend to continue pushing for a permanent arms embargo, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and the evacuation of Gaza residents who request it. According to them, only widespread public support can influence the situation.
Forty minutes after the start of the protest, participants ended the demonstration, loudly chanting slogans in support of a free Palestine, and left the hall. Afterwards, the museum reopened access to the ‘Guernica’ for all visitors.
